By: Mac Demo

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (UATV)- Fayetteville residents woke up to a winter wonderland this week, but what followed was a landscape of snow covered streets and challenging conditions for residents.

With several inches over snow covering Fayetteville many residents have been stuck at home battling the icy conditions, leaving them no choice but to get out and shovel some snow. 

While crews have been working overtime to try and clear the roads, and parking lots, the icy conditions have been making the jobs a nightmare. Clayton Gabel, a local crew member, elaborated on the challenges that the crews still face. 

“We have a shortage of snow trucks in Arkansas so we try to be as efficient as possible. Sometimes that means working long hours other times it means bringing out some of our other equipment.”

While the city’s efforts continue residents are facing their own set of challenges. many have spent the last few days digging themselves out of their homes, while others had to try their best to get to work.

Local resident Alex Biondo shared his frustrations around the snow storm.

“My work made the odd decision to stay open which meant I had to go into work. it proved to be an impossible task pretty quick.”

The icy roads and heavy snow have made it difficult for people to leave their neighborhoods, let alone travel to work and other essential places. 

In addition to travel issues residents are facing the challenge of crowed grocery stores. Local stores became overwhelmed with people trying to stock up on all the essential goods they might need to outlast the storm. 

Reid Hechler, a Fayetteville local, shared his experience of trying to stock up on goods and trying to avoid the rush. 

“I tried to go to the store early in the day because I knew it would be packed, but oh my was it packed. I had to call my roommates and tell them everything they wanted was gone.”

The storm prompted a huge surge in shopping, with some areas running out of the basics like bread, and milk. 

Despite the challenges posed by the storm, residents are doing their best with whats available. 

Some have taken to stocking up early while others were too late and have to wait for the stores to restock. Parker Hill, Fayetteville resident, talked about the challenges he faced being unprepared for the storm.

“I wasn’t ready for the storm at all. I went to the store to try and stock up on random stuff but ended up getting almost nothing because they were out. I had to get a little creative when it came to dinner for a couple nights” 

As the storm moves out and cleanup continues, residents are looking forward to the sunnier days ahead.

Officials are still asking everyone to exercise caution if they plan to use the roads in the coming days. While much of the snow has been removed from the main roads ice may still be a problem in some areas.

It’s important for residents to remain patient and follow safety guidelines to ensure the everyone can stay safe and warm.